Indian city of Pune makes installing GPS and panic button in vehicles mandatory

India: The Regional Transport Office (RTO), Pune, has made the fitting of GPS and a panic button in commercial vehicles compulsory for their registration process. The move comes after the Union Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MORTH) had instructed RTOs across India to ensure installation of these two devices in every commercial vehicle, reported The Indian Express.

The ministry notification had stated that the systems will help improve safety and security of commuters. There are around 2 lakh commercial vehicles in the city, which need to be fitted with the system.

However, the city traffic police have denied receiving any notification or letter from the Union ministry. “There are no clear directives. The ministry has just asked us to implement the notification in December. We are seeking clarity from the MORTH and the transport commissioner’s office. We have not received any communication from the ministry yet,” said an RTO official.

“The regulation will be an additional burden on those who had purchased vehicles in March. In fact, many vehicles are still waiting to pass the fitness test. We are unaware of the new rule,” said Balasaheb Khedekar, president, Pune Luxury Bus Association.